Pigs, horses, flowers, kids rapping about bio-diversity, Bermuda Regiment playing ‘Jammin' and ‘Rock around the Clock', cedar displays and fish pots.

Over 2,000 people came out to enjoy the best of Bermuda at the The 65th Annual Agricultural Exhibition.

The Agricultural Exhibition was officially opened by Governor Sir John Vereker. He said: “It's an enormous pleasure and a privilege, it's an absolutely wonderful island with wonderful people.

“I am happy to declare the 65th Annual Agricultural Exhibition well and truly opened,” Sir John said, adding that it is important that children be involved in Bio Diversity and developing an appreciation of the environment.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival opened under the big tent with The Apex Four opening for them.

Agriculture and Fisheries Permanent Secretary John Barnes said: “It's difficult to judge how many people come to the Exhibition, especially on the first day as children under five enter for free. He went on to say how many young children were out today in groups with schools.

He added: “People don't realise the amount of work that goes into the Agricultural Exhibition - It is a busy week and isn't over until Monday night when the last person picks up their displays.”

“It's been a good turn out today, the gate staff were amazed, with all the people first thing in the morning. There are a lot more displays this year.” Speaking on the Folklife Festival, he said: “There will be events going on until 7 p.m.”

Diana Parker from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC spoke of the affection she gained for Bermudians at the Smithsonian Festival last summer. She described the Bermudian event there as a bloodless coup because of their popularity.

“All the ideas from the research will be put into an education pack and taught in a formal education setting,” she said.

Patricia and Bob Smith were out with their daughters yesterday, and said: “It was very different and very great to see the cultural diversity this year in as far as the exhibits go.”

She pointed out the cedar displays and the Portuguese display, adding: “I like coming on a Thursday - we have seen all the displays without the lines.”

Eugene Lima, of St. George's and a participant in the Folk Life Festival said: “This is a great and wonderful project for Bermuda, hopefully more people will enjoy it tomorrow.”

Lena Mae and Theron Smith, of Devonshire, were out with their family enjoying the day and said: “It's always fun for the children.”

Acting Premier, Alex Scott, said: “(Premier) Jennifer Smith would have loved to have been here - but she wanted to play on the cricket team and they wouldn't let her.”

Speaking of the Folklife Festival he said: “There is no place like home - home is where the heart is.”

And Mr. Scott also thanked all of the volunteers for their “selflessness”.

Minister of Youth and Sport, Randolph Horton, said that when some people were asked what is Bermudian culture, “some were of the opinion that we had no culture - at the Smithsonian Festival we demonstrated arts of play, a genealogy of diverse multilayered complex culture”.

He added: “The Folklife Festival will have an extra hundred people performing making the total 300 people.”

Minister of Tourism, David Allen, said: “Locals and visitors enjoy the taste of the flora and fauna of our Bermuda. This will be good for tourism.”